Events

The GCIPA will hold its fall meeting on November 4, 2015, in conjunction with the Tech Transfer Team at Stennis Space Center. The meeting will run from 8:30 AM to 6 PM at INFINITY Science Center at Stennis.

Member pricing: $35 before Oct. 16, $40 from Oct. 17 to on-site registration.

Speaker: Joe Graben, Director of the University of Southern Mississippi Business and Innovation Assistance Center

A brief presentation giving an Introductory Overview of the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Attendees unfamiliar with these programs should plan to attend this presentation, as these programs will frequently be referenced during the GCIPA Forum panel sessions. The SBIR/STTR programs represent over $2.4 billion available annually for small businesses to carry out R&D projects in support of 11 various federal agencies’ mission needs while also encouraging the commercialization in the private sector of the technologies, products, or services developed under the projects. For additional information on the federal SBIR and STTR programs visit: http://www.sbir.gov

9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.Intellectual Property in the SBIR/STTR Program

Moderator: Melissa Daigrepont, Esq., Public Affairs & Economic Development, U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana District Office

Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Esq.Chief Counsel for the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy

Major Clark, Esq.Assistant Chief Counsel for Procurement Policy, Office of Advocacy, Small Business Administration

Dr. Nicholas Landau, Esq.Partner, Bradley, Arant, Bout, Cummings LLP

Small businesses with SBIR/STTR grants or contracts do not always understand their rights in intellectual property (IP) protection. This session focuses on IP when dealing with the government, government contractors, and other commercial entities while working under the SBIR/STTR program. Attendees of this session will gain insight on the role of intellectual property and its role in the SBIR/STTR program.

10:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.Networking Break

10:30 A.M. – NoonSBIR/STTR Subcontracting with Universities – What You Should Know

Moderator: Jenna Matheny, Esq.Tulane University Office of Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Development

Now that your small business has been awarded an SBIR/STTR, where do you turn for resources to continue research and development of your technology? Subcontracting with local universities can provide expertise and equipment not accessible elsewhere. What considerations should you keep in mind when approaching a university with an SBIR/STTR subcontract? This panel will offer perspectives on contracting requirements, IP concerns, and conflicts of interest management.

Panelists will discuss scenarios that include many of the current issues surrounding social media. Topics embodied in the scenarios will include intellectual property issues and employment law issues, among others.

2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Networking Break

3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Getting the Biggest Bang for the Buck: Getting the Most out of Non-traditional IP

Moderator:Chase Kasper, University of Southern Mississippi

Marc Katsanis, CPAChaffe & Associates

Heather Nolan, Esq.Information Law Group

From mobile apps to artistic works, the impact of IP such as trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets should not be underestimated. Attendees of this session will be exposed to the strategic value of identifying and assessing the components that enhance an organization’s brand.

4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Regional Clusters Panel

Moderator: Joe Graben, Director of the University of Southern Mississippi Business and Innovation Assistance Center

Attendees of this session will get to meet representatives from the Gulf area regional clusters, including the newest cluster MIST.